Delivering after a bad tear and episiotomy?

Sarah23Mitty

With my first child I ended up tearing pretty badly and they decided finishing it with an episiotomy was better then letting the tear continue. My new Dr told me that because of this it might be worth looking into a c-section for this baby to not risk a repeat.
Does anyone have any experience with delivering after a bad tear or episiotomy? I'd appriciate some advice. I hadn't thought it was that big of a deal. Thanks.

oceanchild

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first baby. Tons of stitches. No fun.
I needed nothing after my second baby.
I had just a few sutures for my third baby, a small tear.
IMHO this is not a medical reason to consider a c-section, and it sounds like your OB may be one who prefers to operate (my first OB was as well). If a c/s is what you want, I am fully supportive of your birth choice, but don't be pressured into it if it's not what you want - history of tear/episiotomy does not indicate need for major surgery for future childbirths.

Cherries2005

I had a third degree tear with my daughter. But my ob has said nothing about possible cesarean for my next birth.

Synnovus

I had an episiotomy (which in addition tore a little) with my first and I've not heard anything about me needing a c-section due to this. What I've heard from my midwife(s) and OB is that tearing usually is happening when your skin is not aloud to stretch properly (f.ex. quick births or too hard pushing too soon).

parenthood4

I had a second degree tear with my first (so not too bad, but still a tear) and didn't tear at all with my second. I've never heard of someone having a c section because of a previous year,it doesn't seem like a common practice. It seems odd to recommend a major surgery to avoid a much smaller procedure.

jenniferamcooper

As a c section momma I'd HIGHLY look at the pros and cons of recovering from section. Abdominal surgery carries risks. I was very fortunate and had an easy recovery but it will sucks - heavy medication, stapled stomach, lifting restrictions and scar numbness.
I mean having your vajayjay torn probably sucks too but not to the same degree as major blood loss, blood clots, etc

lindscnn1

I had 2 episiotomies(1st and 2ND births) and 2 without(3Rd & 4th). I'm not a doctor but I don't see how a c-section would be better than a possible episiotomy. I made sure to discuss episiotomy with my ob during my first appointment, I wanted a doctor that would stretch the skin while in labor to help prevent tearing or being cut. Some doctors, like my first 2, are simply too lazy to rub the perineum as labor progresses(it's also helpful if your partner knows how to do this too). I would much rather the hassle of an episiotomy over the cesarean, if that is the only reason for the c-section. I will say that I will never forget the look on my husband's face when the doc cut me, lol. He says it wasn't the visual of seeing it done but the sound that the skin makes. I laugh about it but he still cringes at the thought.

Kurtni

That seems like a bizarre recommendation to me, but obviously we aren't doctors so I would get a second opinion. If another doctor disagrees, I would really question your current OB and worry he/she is pushing unnecessary interventions.

ceds07

I had an episiotomony with my first and haven't had a C section mentioned once as an option for this one. I was originally opposed to an episiotomy but DDs heart rate kept dropping (she was clinging onto the cord) and she needed to be out asap. Honestly I barely even noticed it and was just thankful to not be pushing forever. I wouldn't be opposed to another one. But I would definitely push back if they suggested a C section with that as the sole reason (if that's not your preference of course) as it seems a bit uncorrelated.

FutureMrsCaesar

I had a bad tear and episiotomy with my first, recovery was pretty rough but nothing compared to a csection I'm sure. My 2nd baby I tore, but not bad and it was a way easier recovery, pain wise. And with my 3rd I didn't tear at all. So my recommendation would be to not jump right to opting for a csection due to prior tearing/episiotomy, however you could always ask your dr why she thinks that's an option, maybe there are other factors she's considering.

cmerribury

I had a tiny tear during most of my pushing but ended up with a third degree tear on my last push. It was against the policy of the hospital I delivered in to do an episiotomy. Wish I'd known that...

Anyway, I had to have sutures on my muscles and the tissue, so it was bad. No one has ever mentioned me not delivering vaginally this time.

I do have a friend who tore worse than me and required physical therapy to rebuild her pelvic floor. She did have c-sections after her first. I think it depends on your level of tearing and recovery time. But I would most certainly get a second opinion.

kynbar5

I had a pretty bad tear and episiotomy with my 1st but have delivered 4 more (vaginally) since then and haven't torn again. I'm with @lindscnn1 on rubbing the perineum during labor as it's always seemed to work for me too. I had a very good friend that had the worst tear I've ever heard of (very bad) and she delivered a second (vaginally) without any issues. I agree that this isn't really a reason to go with a c-section.

loveymay

I don't have any experience, but maybe if your previous tear was very bad (4th degree) and tore completely through tissue and muscle all the way to the rectum, maybe that what your Dr wants to avoid possibly happening again? I've read that tears that severe can cause all kinds of problems including fecal incontinence. But I'm no Dr and second PP about getting a second opinion.

kellygrace2

loveymay said:

I don't have any experience, but maybe if your previous tear was very bad (4th degree) and tore completely through tissue and muscle all the way to the rectum, maybe that what your Dr wants to avoid possibly happening again? I've read that tears that severe can cause all kinds of problems including fecal incontinence. But I'm no Dr and second PP about getting a second opinion.

Oh good lord... A friend of a friend had that happen. After I had my c-section with DD (due to other labour issues), I figured at least that didn't happen to me.

Agree with all PPs that this doesn't sound like a good reason for a section though. Is it possible to get another opinion?